The best spot to watch the New Year’s Eve Sydney fireworks is different to past years. With the latest Covid-19 cluster, the best vantage point will be the couch in your living room.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the decision was necessary based on the latest health advice and the evolving Northern Beaches cluster.
“My strong message to everyone in Greater Sydney this year is to watch the fireworks on TV. We are also asking for a little more time from residents to help us stamp out this outbreak, especially if they live on the Northern Beaches.” – Premier Gladys Berejiklian
New Year’s Eve Fireworks around Sydney:
Always ensure you have the latest information by checking what you can and can’t do under the rules, as listed on the NSW Health website.
- There will be no 9pm family fireworks or activities around Sydney Harbour this year.
- There will be a short 7-minute firework display from Sydney Harbour Bridge at midnight only. This will be broadcast live on ABC TV, allowing you and your friends or family to watch from home.
- Access to the Sydney Harbour foreshore for the fireworks will be banned, the city centre will be off-limits to all but residents and those with existing bookings at restaurants and pubs.
- Hospitality venues will remain open but must adhere to the one person per four square metres rule.
- Revellers are asked to to show ‘restraint’ and avoid kissing and hugging people not from their household – or even singing – while ringing in the New Year.
- The CBD frontline worker fireworks vantage point offering is cancelled. Frontline workers will be offered another opportunity in 2021.
LATEST NYE INFO FROM NSW GOVERNMENT
Restrictions for Northern Beaches (North) zone:
For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha’i Temple), the following rules apply until January 9:
- The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to suppress community transmission.
- However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day but will be restricted to five visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes).
- Current arrangements allowing five people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues.
- No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year’s Eve.
Restrictions for Northern Beaches (South) zone:
For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches, the following rules apply until January 2:
- The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to suppress community transmission.
- However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day but will be restricted to 10 visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes).
- Current arrangements allowing 10 people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues.
- No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year’s Eve.
Restrictions for Greater Sydney
- Gatherings in the home remain at 10 visitors in total (including children).
- Outside gatherings (such as picnics) will be restricted to 50 people in total (down from 100).
NYE Events
If you are looking to buy tickets to an event, here are some that are still taking place:
Taronga Zoo, Mosman
Taronga Zoo has magnificent views of Sydney Harbour and you can enjoy the fireworks amongst all the squawks of the night time zoo creatures. You can bring your own picnic or purchase food and drinks onsite.
- Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
- More information
NYE Vantage Points closed to the public in 2020
Exception: Unless you live in the area, are invited by a resident, or have a booking with a restaurant or bar:
- Athol Lawn at Bradleys Head, Mosman
- Balls Head Point Reserve, Waverton
- Carradah Park, Waverton
- Clarkes Point Reserve, Woolwich
- Manns Point, Greenwich
- The Amphitheatre at Bradleys Head, Mosman
- Bradfield Park, Milson’s Point
- Blues Point Reserve, North Sydney
- Cahill Expressway
- Cremorne Point Reserve, Cremorne
- Darling Harbour
- Dee Why Beach, Dee Why
- Manly Cove, Manly
- Mary Booth Reserve, Kirribilli
- Midnight at Oasis
- Mrs Macquaries Chair
- Rowland Reserve, Bayview
- Sydney Opera House
- The Mast Precinct at Bradleys Head, Mosman
- West Circular Quay
Athol Lawn at Bradleys Head, Mosman
Not open to the public in 2020
Athol Lawn at Bradleys Head is a great family-friendly spot to watch the Sydney Harbour fireworks. Roll out a blanket, bring your own picnic or food is available to buy on the night. There are only partial views of the fireworks, but a great atmosphere!
Bradleys Head is an alcohol and glass free zone for NYE. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available.
- Address: Athol Lawn, Bradleys Head
- Opens: 3pm
- More information
Balls Head Point Reserve, Waverton
Not open to the public in 2020
Balls Head Point Reserve has restricted views of the Harbour Bridge and has steep embankments. There are toilets available but no food or drink will be on sale.
- Address: Balls Head Drive, Waverton
- More information
Carradah Park, Waverton
Not open to the public in 2020
A local park in Waverton with partial views of the Sydney fireworks. There are toilets available but no food or drinks on sale, so pack a picnic!
- Address: Larkin Drive, Waverton
- More information
Clarkes Point Reserve, Woolwich
Not open to the public in 2020
A perfect vantage point to watch the NYE fireworks with friends and family. Bring a picnic.
- Address: Clarke Road, Woolwich
Manns Point, Greenwich
Not open to the public in 2020
A family-friendly site with views over Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. Obstructed views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and fireworks.
- Address: Prospect St, Greenwich
- More information
The Amphitheatre at Bradleys Head, Mosman
Not open to the public in 2020
The Amphitheatre at Bradleys Head is a ticketed event with prime views of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
- Address: The Amphitheatre at Bradleys Head
- More information
Bradfield Park, Milsons Point
Not open to the public in 2020
You can’t get any closer to the New Years Eve fireworks on the North Shore than iconic Bradfield Park in Milsons Point. Nestled next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is a central vantage point, with a vibrant atmosphere and close to all the fireworks action. Bradfield Park is a picnic style, family-friendly event for New Years Eve. Pass-outs are permitted on the day. As well as the dining options around Kirribilli village, there will also be 11 food trucks serving a variety of cuisine (including vegan and vegetarian options) and coffee and gelato carts.
- Address: Fitzroy St, Milsons Point
- More information
The Mast precinct at Bradleys Head, Mosman
Not open to the public in 2020
The Mast Precinct is a relaxed, family-friendly space for watching the Sydney fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Choose your spot on the upper road, boardwalk or grass around the Mast. Bring a picnic or buy delicious food from a variety of stalls.
- Address: The Mast precinct at Bradleys Head
- More information
Cremorne Point Reserve, Cremorne Point
Not open to the public in 2020
Cremorne Point Reserve on the North Shore is a family-friendly spot with views of the eastern side of Sydney Harbour. It does become congested later in the day, so get there early to secure your spot. Offers some views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, some partial views due to trees. There are toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available. Limited bus access after road closures, limited ferry service.
- Address: Cremorne Point
- More information
Blues Point Reserve, North Sydney
Not open to the public in 2020
Blues Point Reserve features incredible views of the city and is a great spot to celebrate the New Year. This vantage point is a ticketed event.
There are toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available.
- Address: Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
- More information
Mary Booth Reserve, Kirribilli
Not open to the public in 2020
Mary Booth Reserve is a small elevated reserve with fantastic views of Harbour bridge and Opera House. Again, this is another very busy spot. There are toilets plus food and drinks for sale at this location. Ticket holders for Mary Booth Reserve can also access Bradfield Park. Access Mary Booth Reserve at the Bradfield Park entrance.
- Address: Bradfield Park entrance.
- More information
Sydney City Vantage Points
Sydney Opera House
Not open to the public in 2020
A popular vantage point to watch the fireworks for up to 7000 people. No BYO alcohol. There is food and drinks available for sale. In 2018 capacity was reached at 1pm
- Address: Bennelong Point
- More information
West Circular Quay
Not open to the public in 2020
West Circular Quay is a very popular spot to watch the fireworks so viewing areas of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House get congested, however there are non-viewing areas available and you can move freely to toilets, food and exits. The site includes west Circular Quay promenade, First Fleet Park, Museum of Contemporary Art podium and Tallawoladah lawn areas. There are toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available.
- Address: Alfred Street, Sydney
- More information
Mrs Macquaries Chair
Not open to the public in 2020
Fantastic views of the fireworks for up to 16,000 people. A free site that reaches capacity late in the afternoon. No BYO alcohol. There is food and drinks available for sale
- Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Botanical Gardens
- More information
Darling Harbour
Not open to the public in 2020
Celebrate Sydney New Year’s Eve at Darling Harbour with free 9pm and midnight fireworks at Cockle Bay. Darling Harbour is the family friendly place to ring in the new year.
- Address: Darling Harbour
- More information
Midnight at the Oasis
Not open to the public in 2020
This is the ultimate New Years Eve fireworks on the North Shore experience. Celebrate in style at this premium event with incredible harbour views, live music, and a 3-course meal from your reserved table. You’ll soon discover why Sydney has been hailed the New Year’s Eve Capital of the World. 18+ only.
- Address: Fleet Steps South, Mrs Macquaries Point, The Domain
- More information
Cahill Expressway
Not open to the public in 2020
The Cahill Expressway is one of Sydney’s best free vantage points for New Years Eve fireworks on the North Shore, above Circular Quay. Every year you have the opportunity to win one of more than 6,000 tickets to either the 9pm or midnight fireworks on the Cahill Express. Unfortunately this years NYE Ballot has already ended but visit the Roads and Maritime Services website next year to go into the draw!
Comments
Central Coast was great 🙂